The San Saba news. [volume] (San Saba, Tex.) 1873-1966, 1887-11-04

shutdown, and-and hasn't come back
For a moment the man broke down, and
saw the tears start, but he drove them
back and continued: 1--WE been tryin'
to find her, sir, but it's just awful out
side tonight, and didn't know anybody
TO come to, only YOU
You did right Burke I'll find your
girl, or die with herr and flinging on my
overeoat, hurried from the room.
1t was indeed a terrible night, as l
found out before reaching the Colonies
quarters, but felt no hesitation, only
a burning desire to be off.
He looked up in establishment as !
burst in.
well, Brian, rather an unexpected
call, this"
II have favor to ask of you, sirl' !
exclaimed. breathlessly.
"a favor-oh, leave of absence, in
crease of rations, or whati'
"No"-impatiently-'I want the
privilege of taking ten men out TO the
Cedar Grove tonight
He glanced into my face as if he
thought me crazy, and then at the snow
driving against the windows.
"Why don't you ask permission to
commit suicide7i he asked
at i. desperate, sir, | know that-but
Miss Burke is lost"
"Lostr' He started to his feet Poor
grill"
Eyes, lost" cried; .'since before
superior Gods sake, sir, can goln
The man in him answered at once.
H., Ill.
with you if you need it, !" but, waiting for
no more, was beyond the reach Of his
voice, and running toward the barracks
of my company.
Lads" l cried, coming suddenly
upon them, Il am going upon a des-
perate service, and l want ten volun-
teers.n Had l said hundred l could
have had them, and within I'VE minutes
We were beyond the gates. ,
II was indeed a rough, wild night,
and we found it out when We came upon
the level plain and felt the full force Of
the wind that came sweeping down in
fierce gusts from the mountains, hurting
the snow, which was almost sleet, into
our faces as We pushed on. The keen
wind seemed to penetrate the heaviest
clothing and chilled US through and
through We could scarcely see three
yards ahead of us, but on all sides
stretched away the same dead level of
drifting, eddying snow.
led the men down upon the river,
and by keeping close in under the high
banks, we managed to make very good
progress, without feeling the wind quite
as keenly; but nevertheless it was tough
work blowing along over brittle crust,
and was painting and breathless when
we finally mounted the bank again, four
miles above the fort, and came out into
the full fury of that prairie storm.
Bending before it, scarcely able TO
breathe for the force of air in my face,
and staggering through the heavy snow
underfoot, felt hand touch my sleeve.
''What is it, Morganln asked of the
old Sergeant
Parker, sir; he's played out.
looked back at the dim forms in the
trail
''Have two men take him back under
the bank, and tell them to make fire if
they can find any driftwood'
As | spoke, / stepped backward and
fell plump over something in the snow. 4.
As struggled, bewildered, to my feet,
saw the Sergeant bending down; then
he lifted a light form in his arms the
form Of a woman.
She was alive and conscious. The
mass of snow had kept the cold from her,
but she was heavy with sleep. l poured
some brandy down her throat, and then
Morgan and carried her down the steep
bank out of the fury. of the wind
ccTsen-,t, y I said, as We praced her,
as possible, beneath hang
ing rock, and the men scattered in search
Of driftwood for fire, 1--WE can scarcely
carry two helpless ones back TO the fort
in this storm"
mo, sir" he replied, glancing up at
the snow shooting over our heads; Il
think we'd better camp here until morn
ing"
went back to the girl, wound heavy
shawl closer about her, and told her our
decision.
She shivered little, and drew up
closer to me.
'Father viii worry So" she said, and
then was still.
The men made their fire, and nestled
about it. and thus the night wore slowly
away, and sat there in the deep shadow
Of the rock, with Miss Burke leaning
heavily upon my shoulder.
How the wind roarsF' she whispered
once.
ut is terrible night" l answered;
and thank God that we came in time.
How did it all happenl"
Il had dismounted to fix my saddle
girth, " she said, when the horse be-
came frightened at something and ran.
Then struggled on until fell exhaust
ID. | scarcely dared to hope that any
1ne would venture from the garrison on
such a night in search for me.
'.You did US an injustice"
Il might have done so to some, but +
lot to all" There was depth of pathos
n her low words that touched me
ieeply.
Il have learned one thing more" .
aid, ''from this accident to you to
hight"
She glanced up quickly into my face.
''What is itfn she asked curiously,
THAT love you, Ada, and l want
Tou to be my wife"
She did not withdraw the hand .
iaught, nor did she look up again. l
iad my answer
And there, out in the great white soli-
ude, the storm bowling overhead and
he little group of soldiers at our feet,
ne watched the light breaking into the
.astern sky and ushering in the happiest
lay of both our lives.
Even the Major was forgotten, and in
Iced he never troubled either of US
igain.-FraHe Leslis'A -